The 16 Best Bars In Byron Bay - Australian Traveller

A bunch of drinking dens have joined Byron’s popular bar scene, offering holidaymakers plenty of options for sophisticated sips in this free-spirited town.

From intimate wine bars serving natural wine to beachside terraces and sunset cocktails in Mediterranean-inspired surrounds, you’re sure to find the right place to cheer up, slow down and chill out. Here are our favourite Byron Bay bars not to be missed.

1. Moonlight

An illuminated crescent moon is your beacon on Bay Lane to step inside and discover its hidden gem, Moonlight Hibachi Grill & Wine Bar. The moody and monochromatic interiors are a contrast to the usual sunny vibes found in Byron.

a classy bar interior at Moonlight, Byron Bay — Moonlight boasts a classy interior.

The intimate 45-seat restaurant and bar serves modern Japanese bar bites alongside biodynamic wines picked according to the Luna cycle, a stellar Saki selection and killer cocktails.

a table-top view of meals at Moonlight Hibachi & Wine Bar — Dine exquisite meals at Moonlight Hibachi & Wine Bar.

Address: Bay Lane, Byron Bay

2. Bar Heather

The Parisian-inspired Bar Heather is the brainchild of Luna Wine Store’s talented team. With over 700 natural wines from around the world, you can swirl and sniff your way through the list while snacking on a wine-friendly menu created by Chef Ollie Wong-Hee, with highlights including prawn toast, yellowfin tuna and fermented sausage.

Bar Heather in Byron Bay — The menu has been created by chef Ollie Wong-Hee. (Image: Jess Kearney)

While wine is most definitely the focus, you can also sip on cocktails and enjoy live jazz each Thursday. There’s a lot to love about Bar Heather and it’s a breath of fresh air in Byron.

Address: G09/139 Jonson Lane, Byron Bay

3. Pixie Food & Wine

At Pixie, you’re invited to enjoy a cocktail and snack at the bar, sip a spritz on the terrace or settle into the main dining room for a delicious meal. Offering a modern coastal twist on traditional Italian cuisine, it’s one of the best spots in Byron for a tipple or two.

a bar counter at Pixie Food & Wine — Sip a cold brew at Pixie Food & Wine.

The classic cocktail list has had an Italian summer-inspired Pixie shake up. Why not try the amalfi sunset, with mezcal, rhubi rhubarb liqueur, strega herbal liqueur and lime?

cocktails at Pixie Food & Wine , Byron Bay — Shake up Italian cocktails at Pixie.

Address: 139 Jonson Street, Byron Bay

4. Light Years

The original Byron Light Years you know and love is all grown up and relocated to the swanky Jonson Lane precinct alongside sister venue, Pixie. The Light Years glow up features designer interiors in blush pink hues, soft muted tones and an impressive tile and terrazzo bar.

the bar at Lightyears, Byron Bay — Light Years has an alluring interior.

It’s the perfect spot to sip fresh cocktails and dine out on Light Year’s Asian-inspired bar snacks, including kingfish ceviche, miso caramel eggplant, crispy pork belly and san choy bow.

a glass of cocktail at Lightyears, Byron Bay — Sip fruity cocktails at Light Years.

Address: 139 Jonson Street, Byron Bay

5. Raes Cellar Bar

Not just for the fortunate few, Raes Cellar Bar welcomes locals and visitors to their outdoor oasis with unrivalled views of Wategos Beach. Enjoy relaxed yet refined bar snacks like oysters with native finger lime, anise myrtle and lemon aspen, burrata and truffle fries, alongside a curated beverage list including the prettiest Paloma.

plenty of chairs under a huge umbrella at Raes Cellar Bar — Opt for casual beachside dining at Raes Cellar Bar.

Open seven days from midday until sunset, the bar allows for walk-ins only, seated on a first come first serve basis. So plan ahead to ensure you snag at least one Wategos sunset at Raes.

an al fresco drinking and dining spot at Raes Cellar Bar — Go out for an afternoon booze at the Raes Cellar Bar.

Address: 6-8 Marine Parade, Byron Bay

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6. Verandah by Forest

All are welcome to breeze into Verandah by Forest at Crystalbrook Byron. Relax and unwind on the shaded verandah overlooking the sparkling swimming pool and rainforest beyond.

forest view at Verandah by Forest — Bask in serenity at Verandah by Forest.

With sustainability at its heart, sip on a Breakfast in Byron. Created using homemade Davidson plum marmalade, Crystalbrook Byron gin, Lillet Blanc, lemon, and syrup from the resort’s own honey. Or head to the Elixir Bar, which serves up drinks with bio-fermented, probiotic ingredients formulated for gut health, glowing skin and wellbeing.

a hand holding a glass of Paradiso cocktail at Verandah by the Forest — Sip a cocktail at Verandah by Forest.

Address: 77-97 Broken Head Road, Byron Bay

7. Treehouse

If you’re after a quintessentially Byron experience, head to the relaxed seaside locale of Belongil Beach, where Treehouse offers wood-fired pizza, live music and great vibes. A long-time favourite among locals and travellers, settle in under the palms with a cocktail in hand to enjoy the laidback locale.

Treehouse bar in Byron Bay — The tropical boho vibes are unmatched at Treehouse.

If you’re here to celebrate, be sure to book the bottomless. Available every day, you’ll be treated to a classic marg on arrival, a delicious 7-course shared menu and 1.5 hours of unlimited tap beer, wine and seltzer.

Cocktails at Treehouse bar in Byron Bay, NSW — Settle in for a summer cocktail after a day in the Byron sunshine.

Address: 25 Childe Street, Byron Bay

8. Balcony Bar & Oyster Co

Perennial favourite Balcony Bar holds court on the corner of Lawson & Jonson streets, where guests can sip cocktails and watch Byron life go by below. Munch on cauliflower popcorn, Ballina king prawns and chargrilled local market fish to your hearts content.

Balcony Bar in Byron Bay, NSW — Balcony Bar is the perfect spot for people watching.

Menu highlights include Oyster Shooters and signature cocktails like the Caribbean Garden, with Pampero Blanco, 43 Licor, basil, lemon, vanilla sugar and aquafaba.

Address: 7/3 Lawson Street, Byron Bay

9. Loft Byron Bay

Occupying an elevated terrace position just moments from famous Main Beach, sip summery cocktails in the casual coastal ambience of Loft Byron Bay and take advantage of the lofty heights for great people watching.

the dining interior at Loft Byron Bay — Soak up the coastal ambience at Loft Byron Bay. (Image: Jess Kearney)

Head chef Juan Hernandes brings a passion for fresh ingredients and seafood to the menu, with dishes like crispy twice-cooked pork ribs, Australian bay lobster and lemon myrtle basque cheesecake. Pop in on Thursday’s for two-for-one cocktails (with any set menu).

cocktail drinks on the counter at Loft Byron Bay — Pick from an array of cocktail selections. (Image: Jess Kearney)

Address: 4 Jonson Street, Byron Bay

10. Bang Bang Byron

Local favourite Bang Bang is a buzzing restaurant and bar offering a pan-Asian menu designed to share. With curious cocktails and beachside beats to match, you’re sure to have a banging time.

the exterior of Bang Bang Byron — Pop into Bang Bang Byron for dinner. (Image: Jess Kearney)

Highly recommend the nostalgic prawn toast in all its crispy glory, or opt for one of the insane curries made onsite. Wash it all down with a tipple or two from the ‘Bang Bang Bangers’ cocktail list.

a close-up shot of meal at Bang Bang Byron — Savour the delicious Pan-Asian menu at Bang Bang Byron.

Address: 4/1 Byron Street, Byron Bay

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11. The Mez Club

Inspired by Moroccan architecture and the Greek Islands, The Mez Club is a breezy bar with a Mediterranean style and holiday vibe. The upstairs mezzanine, known as The Souk, has been designed to cater for groups, while downstairs locals and visitors mingle while grazing on tapas.

The Mez Club in Byron Bay, NSW — Soak in the Med vibes at The Mez Club.

Another great place for bottomless brunch, head here on Saturdays and Sundays for five signature dishes and two hours of unlimited seasonal spritz, sangria beer or wine.

Address: 4/85-87 Jonson Street, Byron Bay

12. Elements of Byron

While the Summer Salt bar at Elements of Byron is reserved for the exclusive use of adult in-house guests, Azure Bar & Grill welcomes locals and visitors alike for signature cocktails, local brews and fine wines.

meals at the adults-only pool bar in Elements of Byron — Chill out at the adults-only pool bar in Elements of Byron.

Bask in the warm, family friendly atmosphere on the terrace by the pool or experience a more formal evening in the dining room. As the temperature cools, sip Negroni’s fireside and toast to warm Byron days ahead.

a poolside bar and lounge at Elements of Byron — Lounge by the poolside bar at the Elements of Byron.

Address: 144 Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay

13. Stone & Wood

Visit Stone & Wood’s ‘spiritual home’ in Byron Bay, home to a 31-tank brewery, tasting room, canteen and leafy beer garden. While the majority of production takes place in nearby Murwillumbah, this is the place to be if you’re a Stone & Wood fan.

the bar exterior of Stone & Wood, Byron Bay — Swing by Stone & Wood for a drink.

Walk in anytime for beers and bites or book ahead for brewery tours, it’s the perfect place to slow down and soak it up. Not a beer lover? They’ve got you covered with seltzers, hard ginger beer and non-alcoholic options too.

Stone & Wood Brewing Company in Byron Bay — There are plenty of freshly brewed beers on tap to choose from. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: 100 Centennial Circuit, Byron Bay

14. Lord Byron Distillery

Tucked away in the Byron industrial estate you’ll find Lord Byron Distillery, a fun tiki bar serving up fabulous cocktails from Tuesday to Saturday. We highly recommend you try anything for the cocktail list, as they’re usually served up in a cute and kitsch drinking vestibule.

the back bar at Lord Byron Distillery — Tuck yourself at the back bar in Lord Byron Distillery.

If you’re keen to learn more, sign up for a cocktail masterclass, where you’ll be guided through creating the perfect drink before enjoying the fruits of your labour. Bookings required.

a serving of piña colada Lord Byron Distillery — A perfect day for a piña colada at Lord Byron Distillery.

Address: 4 Banksia Drive, Byron Bay

15. Cape Byron Distillery

Home of Brookie’s Gin, B-Corp Certified Cape Byron Distillery is located just 15 minutes from Byron’s town centre. Try the new Brookie’s Rainforest Gin, a limited edition gin honouring the importance of healthy, standing rainforests and inspired by foraged botanicals from the distillery’s own rainforest.

friends enjoying a gin tasting experience at Cape Byron Distillery, McLeods Shoot, Byron Bay — Go out for a drink with your friends at Cape Byron Distillery. (Image: Sam Clarke/Destination NSW)

If you’d like to learn more about spirits, book a guided tasting flight, whiskey tour or the ultimate Brookie’s Rainforest & Gin Tasting Tour to experience a full appreciation of the farm. Visits to the cellar door are by appointment only.

two hands holding cocktail drinks at Cape Byron Distillery — Drink zesty cocktails at Cape Byron Distillery.

Address: 80 St Helena Road, McLeods Shoot

With more than 60 nationalities calling it home and a century of Italian influence shaping its paddocks and plates, Griffith is a regional Australian town with serious culinary cred.

It might feel surprising to learn that Griffith is one of Australia’s leading food destinations. In-the-know Italians have understood this for generations, drawn to the Riverina region’s fertile soils that reminded them of the terrain they’d left behind more than a century ago. These days, Griffith supplies much of the nation’s pantry: 95 per cent of Australia’s prunes come from the region, it’s the country’s largest citrus-growing area, and it’s a leading producer of almonds and walnuts. Even the pickles in every McDonald’s burger nationwide are produced in Griffith. This is not just a farming town; the Griffith food scene is leading the way.

Here, culinary confidence is rooted in migration. Italian families began arriving from 1913, with a second wave settling after the Second World War. Today, Griffith has the highest proportion of Italian ancestry of any Local Government Area in Australia. Add to that more than 60 nationalities represented across the community and you have a town where food is driven not by trends, but by tradition. Griffith’s motto, ‘Taste our culture’, isn’t marketing spin; it’s the reality.

Where the vines tell a story

A hand pouring wine into a glass, with a table filled with food. — Uncover the stories behind every glass. (Image: Destination NSW)

The Riverina has long been dubbed the food bowl of Australia, but it’s also a wine region that remains largely under the radar. What sets Griffith apart is that every one of its wineries is family-owned, many spanning generations.

Calabria Family Wines is one of the region’s standard-bearers. The Calabria story began in 1945 when Francesco Calabria planted his first vines; today, the family continues to shape the region’s identity while also stewarding the historic McWilliam’s Wines brand. McWilliam’s was the first winery to plant vines in the area, and its barrel-shaped cellar door – complete with a soaring stained-glass window – remains one of the most distinctive in regional NSW.

Yarran Wines, run by the Brewer family, showcases estate-grown fruit across Mediterranean varietals that thrive in the warm climate. Expect bold reds and textured whites that reflect both heritage and innovation.

Set inside the old ambulance station, Harvest HQ is owned and operated by the Riverina Winemakers Association and pours a rotating selection of local wines under one roof. It also features spirits from The Aisling Distillery, reinforcing the region’s collaborative approach to craft.

At the table

A flat lay of a steak. — Dine where tradition meets a bold new generation. (Image: Visit Griffith)

If the vineyards tell one story, the dining rooms tell another. Griffith’s restaurants are where tradition and next-gen confidence meet.

Zecca Handmade Italian occupies the former Rural Bank building, an imposing Art Deco landmark from the late 1930s. ‘Zecca’ means money print, and the name is a nod to the Zecca di Venezia in Venice. Here, find the Riverina’s only producer of dried artisan pasta and traditional Italian recipes. Importantly, the growers and producers supplying the kitchen are listed on the menu as a transparent expression of the region’s farm-to-table ethos.

Established in 1977 and still run by the Vico family, La Scala puts authentic Italian cuisine on centre stage. Expect handmade pasta, traditional wood-fired pizzas, slow-cooked sauces and dishes that follow recipes guarded like family heirlooms. For something more contemporary, Bull & Bell in Gem Hotel is a shrine to the Euro-style steakhouse that works closely with local farmers and artisans to showcase Riverina produce.

And then there are the institutions. Bertoldo’s Pasticceria, now in its third generation, draws locals daily for cannoli, biscotti, crostoli and house-made gelato, alongside classic sausage rolls and potato pies. La Piccola Grosseria feels like stepping into an Italian alimentari, its shelves lined with continental goods that wouldn’t feel out of place in Puglia.

Meanwhile, Limone celebrates local and seasonal produce across breakfast and lunch menus, enriched by the produce and stories of Piccolo Family Farm. Find pastries and sourdough baked daily, and pop into the onsite retail pantry for products from regional producers – including the Piccolo family’s own wine range, Caro Piccolo.

From the source

A plated Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod dish. — Taste world-renowned Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod, straight from its source. (Image: Visit Griffith)

Behind every menu is a producer. Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod is perhaps Griffith’s most high-profile export; the brand’s Murray cod and Aquna Gold Murray Cod Caviar have achieved global recognition. In October 2024, Aquna presented its products to King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the NSW Premier’s Community BBQ in Parramatta. Impressed by the producer’s sustainable farming practices, the King requested the cod be sent to Buckingham Palace – not bad for a fish farm in regional NSW.

Mandolé Orchard champions almonds grown on a family-run farm, transforming them into almond milk and value-added products. At Morella Grove, olives are pressed into premium olive oil and pantry staples that speak to Griffith’s Mediterranean heart. These producers are not peripheral; they are central to the town’s culinary ecosystem. Learn about local sustainable farming practices during a farm tour.

Mark your calendar

A woman walking past a food mural, something you can spot during A Taste of Italy Griffith. — Plan your visit around A Taste of Italy Griffith. (Image: Visit Griffith)

For a town that helps stock Australia’s supermarkets, Griffith has remained curiously absent from the national dining conversation. That’s beginning to change. If you’ve been searching for a regional food destination with substance, heritage and a clear sense of identity, you’ll find it here in the Riverina, right under your nose.

Time your visit to the Riverina region to coincide with A Taste of Italy Griffith, held every August. This week-long celebration of Italian heritage and culture offers a wide range of Italian-inspired events and experiences to enjoy. Expect long-table lunches, wine tasting experiences, cooking classes and a Makers in the Piazza market. The headline event is a ticketed long lunch – Festa delle Salsicce (Salami Festival) – where winners of the best salami are announced.

Start planning your foodie getaway at visitgriffith.com.au.

15 top bars to visit in Byron Bay

A bunch of drinking dens have joined Byron’s popular bar scene, offering holidaymakers plenty of options for sophisticated sips in this free-spirited town.

1. Moonlight

2. Bar Heather

3. Pixie Food & Wine

4. Light Years

5. Raes Cellar Bar

6. Verandah by Forest

7. Treehouse

8. Balcony Bar & Oyster Co

9. Loft Byron Bay

10. Bang Bang Byron

11. The Mez Club

12. Elements of Byron

13. Stone & Wood

14. Lord Byron Distillery

15. Cape Byron Distillery

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This surprising regional town is making its mark on the culinary world

With more than 60 nationalities calling it home and a century of Italian influence shaping its paddocks and plates, Griffith is a regional Australian town with serious culinary cred.

Where the vines tell a story

At the table

From the source

Mark your calendar

A bunch of drinking dens have joined Byron’s popular bar scene, offering holidaymakers plenty of options for sophisticated sips in this free-spirited town.

1. Moonlight

2. Bar Heather

3. Pixie Food & Wine

4. Light Years

5. Raes Cellar Bar

AI Prompt

6. Verandah by Forest

7. Treehouse

8. Balcony Bar & Oyster Co

9. Loft Byron Bay

10. Bang Bang Byron

11. The Mez Club

12. Elements of Byron

13. Stone & Wood

14. Lord Byron Distillery

15. Cape Byron Distillery

This NSW town is officially the wellness capital of Australia – here’s how to experience it

The Bonobo by Raes: Byron Bay’s newest boutique hotel is open for bookings

Byron Bay finally has the bougie floating bar it deserves

Byron Bay’s new multi-venue dining precinct is unlike anything else in town

With more than 60 nationalities calling it home and a century of Italian influence shaping its paddocks and plates, Griffith is a regional Australian town with serious culinary cred.

Where the vines tell a story

At the table

From the source

Mark your calendar